---
title: "Language Theory Notes for 09.11.06"
date: 2006-09-11
url: https://learningischange.com/2006/09/11/language-theory-notes-for-091106/
author: Ben Wilkoff
categories: ["Uncategorized"]
tags: ["professional development"]
---

# Language Theory Notes for 09.11.06

Homework: Bring some piece of my own reading that deals with language and the brain.

Book Recommendations:

- The Infinite Gift: How Children Learn and Unlearn the Languages of the World

[![How Children Learn and Unlearn the Languages of the World](https://i0.wp.com/ec3.images-amazon.com/images/P/0743237560.01._BO2%2C204%2C203%2C200_PIsitb-dp-500-arrow%2CTopRight%2C45%2C-64_AA240_SH20_SCLZZZZZZZ_V64375772_.jpg?w=1225)](//www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0743237560/ref=sib_dp_pt/104-6066992-5013553#reader-link)

- Rethinking Linguistic Relativity (Studies in the Social and Cultural Foundations of Language)

[![Rethinking Linguistic Relativity (Studies in the Social and Cultural Foundations of Language)](https://i0.wp.com/ec3.images-amazon.com/images/P/0521448905.01._BO2%2C204%2C203%2C200_PIsitb-dp-500-arrow%2CTopRight%2C45%2C-64_AA240_SH20_SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg?resize=240%2C240)](//www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0521448905/ref=sib_dp_pt/104-6066992-5013553#reader-link)

- Not everyone can be a mathematician, but everyone is a linguist in a manner of speaking.
- [Linguistic Determinism](//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linguistic_determinism) (Language Shapes Thought) and [Linguistic Relativity (We see reality through our native language)](//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linguistic_relativity).
- Is it naive to believe that there is a universal mentalese?
- Does language support or influence thought?
- Language is not a prerequisite for thought.
- Language and culture are inseparable/interchangeable.
- Pinker and Whorf (Determinism/Relativity) are at odds.
- Pre-linguistic children have thoughts but do not have language.
- Thought of language vs. Language of thought.
- Is there some other aspect of language than just thinking and speaking? (The Psychosis of language?)
- Grammatical constructions are not a prerequisite for being able to express a concept.
- Neurolinguistics – Language in the brain.
- Differences between Human and Ape’s brains:
- Frontal Lobes
- Compartments

- One More Book Rec.
- Language in Mind: Advances in the Study of Language and Thought

[![Advances in the Study of Language and Thought](https://i0.wp.com/ec1.images-amazon.com/images/P/0262571633.01._AA240_SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg?resize=240%2C240)](//www.amazon.com/gp/product/images/0262571633/ref=dp_image_0/104-6066992-5013553?ie=UTF8&n=283155&s=books)